Pedestrian walking dog hit by car in Waterford

Waterford – A 19-year-old resident was hit by a car Monday afternoon while walking a dog on in the area of Senkow Drive, police said Tuesday.

Police would not identify the victim, but said the injuries were not life-threatening and the victim was treated at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London and released Monday evening. The dog did not survive.

Police said that around 4:07 p.m., Robert Rutchick, 38, of 6 Town St., Norwich, was driving a black SUV, a 2012 Dodge Journey, when he hit the pedestrian and then a rock wall in front of the home at 2 Senkow Drive.

Police were called to the scene of the accident but realized only when they arrived that a pedestrian had been involved.

Rutchick was charged Monday with driving with a suspended license, failure to drive in the proper lane and reckless driving. His passenger, Marilyn Saltus, 45, of 6 Town St., Norwich, was charged with second-degree reckless endangerment and interfering with an officer. Police said Saltus lied to them about what transpired in the car before the accident but would not elaborate on the details.